The dark web is a part of the internet that is hidden from search engines and requires the use of specialized software to access. While the dark web can be used for legitimate purposes, it is also a haven for illegal activity, including the buying and selling of drugs, weapons, and stolen data. As such, accessing the dark web can be risky, and it is highly recommended that you use a VPN to protect your identity and data. In this article, we will discuss the best VPNs for accessing the dark web and how they can help keep you safe.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the internet. When you use a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through a server operated by the VPN provider, which can help protect your online privacy and security.
Using a VPN for the Dark Web
When accessing the dark web, it's important to use a VPN to help protect your identity and keep your online activity private. Without a VPN, your internet service provider (ISP) and other third parties can see your online activity, including the websites you visit and any data you transmit or receive.
A VPN can help protect your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address, making it more difficult for third parties to track your online activity. Additionally, using a VPN can help you bypass internet censorship and access websites and services that may be blocked in your location.
Best VPNs for the Dark Web
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service that is known for its fast speeds and strong security features. With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN offers a wide range of server locations to choose from, which can help you bypass internet censorship and access the dark web from anywhere in the world. ExpressVPN also offers a no-logging policy, which means that it does not store any logs of your online activity, providing an extra layer of privacy.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another popular VPN service that is known for its strong security features and user-friendly interface. With over 5,000 servers in 59 countries, NordVPN offers a wide range of server locations to choose from, which can help you access the dark web from anywhere in the world. NordVPN also offers a no-logging policy, as well as an automatic kill switch, which can help protect your privacy if your VPN connection drops.
3. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN service that is known for its strong security features and fast speeds. With over 6,700 servers in 90 countries, CyberGhost offers a wide range of server locations to choose from, which can help you access the dark web from anywhere in the world. CyberGhost also offers a no-logging policy and a built-in ad blocker, which can help protect your privacy and improve your browsing experience.
4. Surfshark
Surfshark is a newer VPN service that is quickly gaining popularity due to its strong security features and affordable pricing. With over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, Surfshark offers a wide range of server locations to choose from, which can help you access the dark web from anywhere in the world. Surfshark also offers a no-logging policy and a built-in ad blocker, as well as a feature called Camouflage Mode, which can help hide the fact that you're using a VPN from your ISP.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a budget-friendly VPN service that is known for its strong security features and user-friendly interface. With over 35,000 servers in 78 countries, PIA offers a wide range of server locations to choose from, which can help improve your connection speeds and access to the dark web.
6. Perfect Privacy
Perfect Privacy is a Swiss VPN provider that emphasizes its commitment to user privacy. With servers in over 26 countries, Perfect Privacy offers a high level of anonymity and security for those who want to access the dark web. The company also offers several advanced features, such as multihop VPN connections and an internet kill switch. However, Perfect Privacy is relatively expensive compared to some other VPN providers.
7. TorGuard
TorGuard is another popular VPN service for accessing the dark web. TorGuard offers over 3,000 servers in more than 50 countries, making it one of the largest VPN networks available. The company also offers a range of advanced features, such as stealth VPN, which can help users bypass firewalls and other forms of online censorship. TorGuard also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not keep any records of user activity.
8. AirVPN
AirVPN is an Italian VPN provider that has gained a reputation as a reliable and secure service for accessing the dark web. The company offers a range of advanced features, such as OpenVPN over SSH and SSL, which can help users bypass internet censorship and surveillance. AirVPN also has a strict no-logs policy and supports anonymous payments through Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
9. Mullvad
Mullvad is a Swedish VPN provider that has a strong reputation for privacy and security. The company uses state-of-the-art encryption and does not keep any logs of user activity. Mullvad also supports anonymous payments through Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and it allows users to sign up without providing any personal information. While Mullvad does not have the largest network of servers, its focus on privacy and security make it a popular choice for accessing the dark web.
10. F-Secure Freedome
F-Secure Freedome is a VPN service offered by the Finnish cybersecurity company F-Secure. The service is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, making it a good choice for those who are new to VPNs. F-Secure Freedome offers servers in over 20 countries and uses strong encryption to protect user data. The service also includes an internet kill switch and supports anonymous payments through Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
11. VPN.ac
VPN.ac is a VPN provider based in Romania that offers a range of advanced features for users who want to access the dark web. The company uses strong encryption and supports OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP protocols. VPN.ac also offers advanced features such as a stealth VPN mode, which can help users bypass internet censorship and surveillance. The company has a strict no-logs policy and supports anonymous payments through Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Conclusion
Using a VPN to access the dark web can provide users with an additional layer of privacy and security. However, it is important to choose a VPN provider that is reliable, secure, and respects user privacy. The VPN providers listed in this article are all good choices for accessing the dark web, but users should also do their own research and carefully consider their specific needs before choosing a VPN provider. Ultimately, a VPN can help users access the dark web safely and anonymously, but it is not a guarantee of complete security or anonymity.